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Connections

Friday, February 16, 2018 - 12:14pm

In 2018 we live by “big data.” Each of us not only uses data, but we contribute to its collection every time we log onto the web. The question that exposes the modern dilemma is “How much data are ordinary people willing to turn over to Kroger’s when they go grocery shopping?” And the answer seems to be “As much as they want, as long as I get discount points on my gas purchases.”

Today, data drives almost every decision in business, everything from what aisle do you stock grape jelly, (with other jellies or next to the peanut butter), to what apps get promoted, to how to efficiently design public transit routes in a metropolitan region, to what social service programs get funding. We have convinced ourselves that without data, nothing is defensible.

Data has always been understood as important, though before the digital age of “Big Data” and the ascendency of powerful algorithms, data sets gathered to impact public policy came in smaller packages. That can be seen in several of the documents in the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection.

An 1806 report presented to the House of Commons by the British Inspector General of Imports and Exports records the number of British ships and their capacity to carry enslaved Africans (3.8 million) to the British West Indies between 1796 and 1803. This report was part of the larger public effort to end the British trade in enslaved African peoples, a campaign that achieved success in 1807.

But ending the trans-Atlantic slave trade did not end slavery. A reminder of that grim reality is demonstrated in an 1820 schedule of over 500 slaves living on the estate of William Law on the island of Granada. The inventory of assets available for sale to settle Law’s debts includes a listings of slaves by name, color, country of origin, age and any defining markings. This inventory stands as a stark reminder that people of African descent were considered as nothing more than property to be bred and bartered.

One of the most chilling and discouraging data documents in the entire Kinsey Collection is a broadside issued by the NAACP in the early Twentieth Century. A generation after the Civil War ended, white Americans defaulted on the promises made to the people freed from bondage. Rather than the full rights of citizenship proclaimed in the 14th and 15th amendments to the constitution, mainstream American gave into the mounting pressure from the re-emergent South to subjugate those one enslaved and their descendants.

Legally, this took the form of the imposition of Jim Crow Segregation that won approval from the United States Supreme Court in 1896 in the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling that made “separate but equal” the law of the land.

Culturally, it meant the flowering of a Southern revisionist interpretation of the Civil War as the “Lost Cause” fought for States Rights, not the perpetuation of slavery. It was this movement, in turn, that sparked the dedication of hundreds of Civil War monuments in the early decades of the new century. It is those monuments that have recently become focal points of controversy and violence.

Another result of the abandonment of African American citizens was the unleashing of a wave of lynchings, a calculated campaign of terror designed to control American citizens of color. In the face of this terror, the NAACP began tracking the number of lynchings in 1912. The 1922 “The Shame of America” broadside declaring that 3436 people had been lynched between 1889 and 1922 was to use statistics to shock America into taking action.

The immediate goal was to rally support for the Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill then before Congress. The bill did pass the House of Representatives by a two-to-one majority, but failed in the Senate. Despite continued efforts and the introduction of other bills, the United States Congress never passed an anti-lynching law. The catastrophic results of this failure are chillingly documented in the most powerful American history exhibit I have ever personally encountered. I am very proud that the Freedom Center brought “Without Sanctuary” to Cincinnati.

Human beings cling to the idea that assemblage and presentation of facts (data) is the proper way to appeal to reason and advance human good. What is clear, however, whether in 1806, 1922 or 2018, economic, political or social self- interest of the powerful will always dismiss data, unless it is wrapped in a powerful political movement.

The Crisis, which still exists today in web form, is the official publication of the NAACP. It was founded in 1910 under the editorship of W.E.B. Du Bois. In its over 100 years of existence, it has chronicled the life, time and struggles of African Americans and other people of color. While fiercely “speaking truth to power” (their tagline), The Crisis has also lifted up the accomplishments of African Americans and opened the way for many African American literary greats to put their work in front of a larger audience. Langston Hughes, for example, was published in the pages of The Crisis early in his career.

So why does this speak to me?

It would be easy for an entity such as The Crisis to focus only on the negative – and rightly so. In speaking truth to power, lifting up the crimes and wrongs done against African Americans and other people of color, the focus could rest solely on the negative without anyone lifting an eyebrow.

But The Crisis never did that. Yes, they told those stories and lifted up the wrongs being done against people of color, but they also held up the hopeful stories – those of education and literature and music and the accomplishments of the same people who were being held down by society at large.

The story could have been one of tragedy, but they also celebrated the hope.
I recognize that mission. I see it every day.

The story of the Freedom Center could have been one of tragedy, but we also celebrate the hope found within the courage, cooperation and perseverance of those who fought for freedom – and those who continue the fight today.

Even in the darkest of nights, a light does shine. Fortunately, The Crisis and the Freedom Center continue to shine that light for all.

#28DaysofKinsey

Monday, February 12, 2018 - 1:04pm

As I continue making my way through the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection while it’s here through March 4, I come across a letter written in1854. Reading through it I’m extremely appalled and disheartened by its content. The letter details a slave master by the name of AMF Crawford selling off a seventeen year-old girl named Frances he owns to pay for a stable of horses. What’s bad (as this alone is already awful of him taking part in the institution of slavery), he’s taking her away from her family. Even worst, he’s having her hand deliver the instructed letter transferring ownership of her freedom to her new master, unbeknownst to her. All of this and he doesn’t even have any type of courage to tell her this is happening.

Reading the letter literally almost had me in tears as I couldn’t even imagine someone having to go through that – to not even know you’re delivering your freedom to another person as property, never to see your family again. This is all so this slave master can simply pay for horses. This reminds me that when you truly reflect on America’s history, it wasn’t too long ago that this was the “norm” for our society.

Seeing letters such as this one in the exhibit are truly powerful and moving to me. Experiencing this in the Kinsey Collection helps to reiterate the part of our mission of “challenging and inspiring everyone to take courageous steps of freedom today”. It challenges and corrects misconceptions that are often portrayed about history especially pertaining to me being of African descent. Although reading the letter did put me in a bad mood for a good part of my work day, I felt better thinking that hopefully the next person who sees it will also experience similar emotions and will want to take action in seeing atrocities like this never have the chance to happen again.

#28DaysofKinsey

Will jones
Public Relations & Social Media Coordinator
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Friday, February 2, 2018 - 3:53pm

The Kinsey African American Art and History Collection has an incredibly broad range of objects and art to take in. My favorite item in the collection is the signed decision letter for Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. This document, unanimously approved and signed by the Supreme Court Justices holds special significance for me.

This past September marked the 60-year anniversary of the integration of Little Rock Central High School. Our exhibit Mandela: The Journey to Ubuntu opened at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock the same weekend as this important anniversary. Several members of the Little Rock Nine attended the exhibit opening and the following day there was a ceremony in the auditorium of the high school commemorating their courageous actions 60 years prior.

Each of the surviving eight students spoke, reflecting on their experiences at Central. It was one of those rare times that you realize you are living in a moment of historic significance. Hearing those brave eight individuals speak in that auditorium was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. It may well be the most important moment I ever witness. Two months after returning home from that trip, we began the installation of the Kinsey Collection. Holding the document that allowed those nine brave students access to Little Rock Central, the gravity of the piece was not lost on me. This document is here in our gallery, an unassuming 8.5” x 11” piece of paper with five signatures that forever changed the course of American history, the lives of the Little Rock Nine and every student that followed.

#28DaysofKinsey

Thursday, January 25, 2018 - 5:19pm

In honor of Black History Month we want to recognize the many contributions and triumphs African Americans made to America throughout history. What better way to show this than to highlight the pieces of the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection?

Married for over forty years, activist couple Bernard and Shirley Kinsey have built a world-renowned exhibition that challenge and redefine African American identity and representation in history and arts. What began as a third grade project for their son Khalil – turned in to one of the largest privately owned collections of African American art, artifacts and manuscripts in the country. Spanning over 400 years, their collection feature works from Zora Neale Hurston, Romare Bearden, and Elizabeth Catlett – to name a few. Guests can even find pieces that have local ties to the city of Cincinnati such as the “Autumn Landscape” by Robert S. Duncanson, who spent the majority of his professional career in the Queen City.

This is the second time the exhibit has made its way here to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. It was originally the second location the collection appeared when it began traveling in 2006. Since then, it has been displayed at the California African American Museum, The Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Epcot Center at Disney World and The Hong Kong University Museum and Gallery to name a few, and has won many prestigious awards including the President’s National Award for Museum and Library Services.

Throughout February our staff, volunteers and docents will highlight pieces of the collection as well as give you first-person accounts of their experiences in the gallery. See the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, presented by Macy’s, at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center before it closes on Saturday, March 3. #MyNURFC #KinseyatNURFC

Will Jones
Public Relations & Social Media Coordinator
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Friday, January 12, 2018 - 1:03pm

As an organization devoted to exploring and understanding the legacy of slavery in order to ensure freedom for all, we at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center are appalled by the offensive language reportedly used by the President in reference to Haiti and African nations. This language is unacceptable and the attitude being articulated perpetuates white privilege and superiority – undermining people of color in our global community.

As an organization devoted to freedom, inclusion and unity we denounce racist rhetoric. This is our charge as a museum of conscience, education center and convener of dialogue. The language used by the President, followed by the lament about not attracting more northern European immigrants, is beyond alarming. The leaders at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center call on the public to take a stand and share that this language is not reflective of the attitude of all American people. As our history dramatically demonstrates, the success of our nation is thanks to our diversity and as a result, the American dream cannot and should not be an impossible dream for immigrant communities of color.

Friday, January 12, 2018 - 12:00pm

This weekend through Monday, January 15, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will begin honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his many contributions through a series of programs and activities. We encourage you take part in celebrating with us as we’re sure to have something you’ll enjoy.

Gallery Talk: Have We Achieved MLK’s Dream will feature a discussion with Pastor K.Z. Smith of Corinthian Baptist Church on Saturday, January 13, at 1:30 p.m. The Gallery Talk Series provides visitors with the opportunity to engage with museum staff and community leaders to discuss social injustice, freedom and equality. The series is included in general admission and open to the public.

The 2018 King Legacy Awards Breakfast will be Monday, January 15, with doors opening at 7:30 a.m. and breakfast beginning at 8:00 a.m. The breakfast honors the participants of the King Legacy Youth Leadership Program. The King Legacy Youth Program provides leadership opportunities for graduates of the Freedom Center’s Youth Docent Program and scholarship funds upon completion of the program. The keynote speaker is The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Artistic Director of Education and Outreach, Deondra Kamau Means.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with free general admission to the museum’s permanent exhibitions and programming for the day. Special programming and initiatives will include the Hoxworth Cincinnati Blood Drive; Bead for Life bracelet sale in conjunction with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s Modern Day Slavery initiatives; membership opportunities for the chance to win prizes, and a community concerts throughout the day beginning at 11:00 a.m.

We hope your participation in this annual day of service will inspire you to continue the ongoing fight in fulfilling Dr. King’s dream. #MyNURFC

Will Jones

Public Relation & Social Media Coordinator

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Thursday, December 14, 2017 - 9:48am

Just because our fight for freedom is ongoing doesn’t mean we can’t take time out to celebrate and appreciate the blessings in our lives. Often those blessings include being able to give to our children.

One of the greatest gifts we encourage you to give your children this season is the opportunity to experience the rich history our museum offers. With many students being on winter break between now and January, what better way to spend some of their time than at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center? We have many exciting exhibits on display for guests to see such as The Rosa Parks Experience and The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection. We will be open during our regular hours Tuesday – Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout the rest of December 2017. Also, be sure to visit us Monday, January 15 for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as we’re offering guests free general admission.

Guests of all ages will be sure to leave not only learning something new about America’s inclusive community of all peoples, but will also be challenged and inspired to take courageous steps to freedom. Happy holidays from all of us here at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Will Jones
Public Relations & Social Media Coordinator
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Tuesday, November 21, 2017 - 12:18pm

As you welcome family and friends from all over to visit Cincinnati, and the Greater Cincinnati region, to appreciate the many successes and joys life can bring, we hope you also take a moment to reflect on the struggles many have gone through for you to celebrate this time of giving.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will be closed on Thursday, November 23. We will reopen on Friday, November 24 for regular museum hours from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We encourage you to visit and bring your in, and out-of-town guests to see us as we have much going on.

Through November 30, veterans get free general admission to the museum. This is our way of saying thank you for the service they have given to our country. If you have not visited in a while, come in to see our newest exhibit, The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection. The exhibit features the largest private-owned collection of African American art, artifacts and documents in the country from Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, spanning more than 400 hundred years of history.

Guests also have the opporunity to see our permanent exhibits such as The Rosa ParksExperience, and the Open Your Mind: Understanding Implicit Bias Learning Lab during their visit. The Rosa Parks Experience, sponsored by Procter & Gamble, is an immersive virtual reality experience that commemorates Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks’ historic demonstration, just four days before the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955. The Open Your Mind: Understanding Implicit Bias Learning Lab is designed to assist the public in understanding and recognizing bias and other forms of discrimination, as well as to explore recent debates in the realm of implicit bias research. The learning lab is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Procter & Gamble.

We at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center hope you have a fun and safe holiday season whether you’re staying home or traveling. We hope you’ll stop by for a meaningful museum experience with your loved ones over the holidays. #MyNURFC

Will Jones
Public Relations & Social Media Coordinator
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Friday, October 6, 2017 - 4:19pm

“I know what that flag means,” said a visitor in the crowd at the second of our gallery talk series, The Confederate Flag: Heritage vs. Hate that occurred Saturday, September 30th, 2017.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect with leading this gallery talk. Though I don’t refer to myself as a scholar of the Confederate flag, I have dedicated a majority of my master’s studies to the subject. In graduate school I took on the project of discussing the Confederate flag in public memory, turning it into my capstone thesis. Having given presentations over the debate about the Confederate flag before, I was confident in my knowledge of the subject. However, with the debate about Confederate imagery heating up in the media, I was unsure what type of reaction I would receive from this discussion.

Not only was the crowd on Saturday receptive to what I was saying, they were engaging and vocal on their experiences with the Confederate flag. This was crucial for me because above all else, I wanted to spark a meaningful dialogue with visitors about the flag. What I hoped to gain from this gallery talk was to help people understand why there is a debate about the Confederate flag and the many interpretations associated with this one symbol. What I walked away with was encouragement that regardless how tough the conversation may be, people are ready to have these discussions about current issues we are facing in America today.

Although it may be uncomfortable, I urge you to push yourself to have a dialogue with others about issues that you feel need to be discussed.